Boulder calls for return of 24-hour police post — ABC News Australia

In Boulder, Western Australia, local residents and business owners are calling for the return of a 24-hour police post on Burt Street. The campaign was prompted by the appearance of a police station set, which changed the situation on the historic street for three days.

The heritage-listed courthouse building was converted into a fictional police station for the upcoming crime series Two Birds, which is being filmed in the region for Stan. Ronnie and Stephen Maddocks, owners of the neighboring Grand Hotel, said the street became significantly quieter until people realized the station was only a set, ABC News Australia reports.

Petition for a police post

A petition demanding the opening of a 24-hour police post on Burt Street was signed by 1,171 people. Liberal MP Neil Thomson presented the document to the Western Australian parliament on September 10.

Thomson said local traders had raised concerns about theft, drug use and employee safety. According to him, retail workers constantly fear attacks. Last week, according to ABC, an employee of one licensed premises was allegedly threatened with a hammer while trying to prevent the theft of money and alcohol.

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Mike Saville, the owner of Boulder Newsagency and Lotto, who has owned the business for 10 years, said theft and verbal abuse had become a daily problem. In his view, regular foot patrols in the morning and afternoon could improve the situation.

Police cite patrols

Kalgoorlie Police Station is located about five kilometers from Burt Street. Western Australia Police said its officers respond to calls in Kalgoorlie-Boulder around the clock and regularly patrol Boulder.

In 2024, Operation Regional Shield was extended to the Goldfields region, bringing in additional police officers and law enforcement resources over concerns about antisocial behavior. Police did not disclose current staffing numbers, saying resources are assessed and allocated in line with operational needs and safety requirements.

According to Western Australia Police, 1,742 offenses were recorded in Boulder in 2025, compared with 1,515 in 2024. In the first six months of 2026, 1,141 offenses had already been recorded there.